Explore it
Build a fraction.
Choose how many equal parts make one whole. Tap a part to shade or unshade it.
One whole
3 shaded parts
out of 4 equal parts in all.
The whole stays the same size. Changing the number of equal parts changes the size of each part.
Look a little closer
Read the two numbers.
Imagine one whole bar split into 4 equal parts, with 3 shaded. We write 3/4, and say “three fourths.”
- 3 · Numerator
- The top number tells us how many parts are shaded.
- 4 · Denominator
- The bottom number tells us how many equal parts make the whole.
Equal size matters. Four unequal pieces do not each represent one fourth of the whole.
Give the idea a try.
Take your time. Each answer comes with an explanation, and you can try again.